is the online portfolio and journal of Australian travel writer Nina Karnikowski.

COOL SHADES

This story first appeared in Paradise - Air Niugini's in-flight magazine on May 01, 2015. PDF below

Revo RaconteurWhen the first pair of Revo sunglasses was created in 1985, they used lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites. Today, the company continues to create some of the clearest and most advanced high-contrast polarised sunglasses available. The Raconteurs, which come with a choice of chic gold, gunmetal or chrome aviator-style frames, also come with the option of green water lenses, which boost natural colours by cutting through surface glare and low-light conditions, making them perfect for fishing, hiking and golf. revo.com

Maui Jim BreakwallIf you’re heading out to the islands or lounging around on the beach for the day, Maui Jim’s Breakwall sunglasses might be the perfect companion, thanks to their saltwater-safe lenses and frames. Because the shades are rimless, they’re so light you’ll forget you have them on, plus they feature Polarised Plus 2 lenses, meaning they’ll cut out glare from the water. Available in three lens colours. mauijim.com

Zeal Penny LaneThe simmering 60s are recreated with Zeal’s Penny Lane frames. While these sunglasses might look most at home on the beach, they incorporate some rubber into the nose bridge and ear stems to keep them secure if the day calls for some more rigorous activity. They come in a variety of retro-frame colors. zealoptics.com

Zeal DarbySure, the Zeal Darby shades look good (particularly if you’re going for a Tom Cruise Top Gun vibe) but the best thing about them has to be their Z-Resin frames, which are made from a castor bean oil base instead of petroleum oil. They come in a great range of frame colours, and are impact-rated for any activity, making them the ideal for active travellers. zealoptics.com

Oakley Half Jacket 2.0These sunnies feature an interchangeable lens system, so you can quickly and easily match your lenses to your lighting situation when you’re on the go. A large variety of replacement lenses are available, all made from Plutonite to filter out UV, plus the lightweight sunnies won’t hook to your ears like ordinary frames, making them easier to slip on and off. oakley.com

Ray-Ban Classic WayfarersThe iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer, which has been manufactured since 1952, is the perfect hand luggage addition for city getaways or sunny island hopping. The chic shades are made from acetate, meaning they not only look fantastic but are super durable, too. ray-ban.com

Persol PO 714What could be more convenient than sunnies that fold into four, to fit snugly into your pocket when you’re on the go? Enter Persol’s PO 714 shades, famously worn by actor Steve McQueen and living up to their name (Persol is derived from the Italian phrase per il sole, “for the sun”) by giving 100 per cent protection from the sun. The effortlessly stylish design comes in a selection of “Vintage Celebration” colours, including coffee with green polarised lenses and Virginia tobacco with brown polarised lenses. persol.com

Oakley Frogskin LXOakley Frogskins have been around since the late 80s, proving the Cool shades timelessness of their design and their excellent optics. The handmade frames are crafted from durable acetate with metal hinges, and their polarised lenses are hydrophobic to repel water, sweat, and oil. oakley.com

Carrera 8002From the Carrera Active range, made specifically for people who live life on the go and drawing from the Carrera’s history in racing sports, these sunnies incorporate the brand’s signature red piston-spring hinges, polarised lenses and an extra-comfortable fit, making them a great choice for any outdoor activity. The sporty shades also come in a variety of fun colours. carreraworld.com